The stage is set for world premiere of the new model at Frankfurt Motor Show, with its launch on European markets starting in October.
Starting the manufacture of the Rapid Spaceback now marks the eighth production launch this year. “Our whole ŠKODA team, from purchasing, technical development, to production and logistics as well as quality assurance has once again done a great job to ensure that this start-up of an extremely important model for the brand was carried out reliably, to the highest quality and on time,” says ŠKODA Board Member for Production Michael Oeljeklaus.
In order to accommodate the manufacture of the Rapid Spaceback, ŠKODA adapted the operations and expanded the facilities at the main plant in Mladá Boleslav. For example, new welding robots were installed during the company holidays. The Rapid Spaceback is produced alongside the current Fabia model on one production line. Apart from these models, ŠKODA also produces the Octavia, Octavia Combi and Rapid in Mladá Boleslav.
The Rapid Spaceback complements ŠKODA’s product range with a model positioned between the Fabia and the Octavia. This is the first time a compact car has been offered, combining practical ŠKODA features in a hatchback. As is typical of ŠKODA, the Rapid Spaceback offers lots of space, many Simply Clever ideas, top-level safety, low fuel consumption and is great value for money. With its dynamic and fresh design, the Rapid Spaceback has been especially designed with young people and families in mind.
As part of the preparations for the production of the new Octavia/Octavia Combi and Rapid/Rapid Spaceback, the manufacturer implemented, among other things, new equipment for car body production, a fully-automated paint shop and a new ultra-modern press line at the start of 2013. Since April, a new logistics warehouse has been in operation to ensure the supply of parts to vehicle and powertrain production is faster, more flexible and more efficient than ever before.